Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-12-07

nifty of extending their sales beyond the linn
its of home consumption-saving them from
the depression and interruption in business,
and loss caused by glufted domestic market
and giving their employees more certain and
steady labor with its resulting quiet and
contentment. The question thus imperatively
presented for solution should be approached
in spirit higher than partnership, and con-
sidered in the light of that regard for patrio-
tic dnty which should characterize the action
of those intrusted with the veal of con-
fiding people.
But the obligation to declare party policy
and principle, is not wanting to urge prompt
and effective action, both of the great politi-
cal parties now represented in the govern
nent have by repeated and authoritative dec
larations condemned the condition of our laws
which permit the collection from the people
of unnecessary revenue, and have in the most
solemn manner promised its correction, and
neither as citizens or parties are our country
men in mood TO condone the deliberate
violation of these pledges.
Our progress toward a wise conclusion
will not be improved by dwelling upon the
theories of protection and free trade. This
savors too much of bandying epithets. 1t
is condition which confronts US, not
theory. Relief from this condition may in
volye slight reduction of the advantages
which we award our home productions. but
the entire withdrawal of such advantages
should not be contemplated The question of
free trade is absolutely irrelevant. AMI the
persistent claim made in certain quarters
that all efforts TO relieve the people from
unjust and unnecessary taxation are schemes
of so called free traders. is mischieyous and
far removed from any considerations for the
public good.
The simple and plain duty which we owe
the people is to reduce taxation
10 the necessary expenses of an econom-
/ zeal operation of the government and
10 restore TO the country the money which
we hold in the treasury through the per-
version of governmental powers. These things
can and should be done with safety TO all our
industries without danger 10 the opportunity
/ for remunerative labor which our working
men need and with benefit to all of them. our
| people, by cheaHening their means of sub
istence and increasing the measure of their
comforts.
The constitution provides that the Presi-
dent shall from time to time give to Congress
information of the state of the Union. |,
has been the custom of the executive in com
pliance with this provision to annually ex-
hlblt to the Congress at the opening of its
session the general condition of the country
and 10 detail with some particularly the OPP
erations of the different executive depart
ments. 1t would BE- especially agreeable TO
follow this course at the present time, and to
call attention to the valuable accomplish
plishments of these departments during the
last fiscal year.
But am so much impressed with the para
mount Importance of the subject to which
this communication has thus far been de-
voted, that | shall forego the addition of anv
other topic. and only urge upon your imme-
date consideration the state of union" AS
shown iii the present condition of our treas
ury and our general fiscal situation upon
which every element of our safety and pros
perty depends,
! The report of the heads of departments
which will be submitted contain full and ex-
plicit information touching the transaction of
the business intrusied to them, and such
recommendations relating to legislation in
the public interest as they deem advisable.
ask for the reports and recommendations
the deliberate examination and action of the
legislative branch of the government.
There are other subjects not embraced in
the departmental reports demanding legisla-
lative consideration, and which | should be
glad to submit. Some of them, however
: have been earnestly presented in previous
messages, and as to them beg leave to re-
peat prior recommendations.
As the law makes no provisions for any
report from the Department of State brief
history of the transactions of that important
department together with other matters which
1t may hereafter be deemed essential to com
mend to the attention of the Congress ma,
furnish the occasion for a future commune
cation.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Washington. Dee. 6. 1887.